In the Media

Ukraine categorically rejects any peace agreement concluded without its direct participation. President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to the phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. While Trump speaks optimistically about the impending end of the war, European and Ukrainian officials are talking more about a cold shower than a breakthrough in the negotiations. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the situation for Czech Radio Plus.

The European Commission's preliminary proposal for new rules on stoves and boilers has provoked a strong reaction from their manufacturers and Czech politicians. The domestic debate is exceptional in this respect. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Deník N.

Germany today faces similar existential geopolitical challenges. Vladimir Putin has launched the first interstate war in Europe and frequently threatens nuclear conflict with the West. The return of Russian imperialism on a grand scale in 2022 has prompted a radical reorientation of German foreign policy. Research associate at EUROPEUM Institute Hugo Blewett-Mundy commented for EUobserver.

Trump claims that raising tariffs on people and companies buying foreign products will ultimately boost domestic manufacturing. But the tariffs would impact allies as most steel is imported into the US from Canada, Brazil, Mexico and South Korea. The European Union has been stunned by Donald Trump's decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČRo Plus.

Donald Trump has signed an executive order that will return the United States to the use of plastic straws. The new regulation is intended to reduce the packaging material in circulation, by up to fifteen percent by 2040. The European Union wants the new rules to force companies to find sustainable solutions through recycling. Filip Křenek, project coordinator and analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Televizní noviny.

The nationalist Self-Determination Party won the parliamentary elections in Kosovo. It won more than 45 percent of the vote, but lost its absolute majority in Parliament. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti declared himself the winner of the election shortly after midnight. Research fellow at EUROPEUM Institute Jana Faktor Juzová commented for STVR.

The EU has extended economic sanctions against Russia. This was confirmed by the head of diplomacy Kaja Kallas. Hungary had reservations, but eventually relented after assurances on energy security. The European Commission promised to continue negotiations on Russian gas supplies with Ukraine, Hungary and Slovakia. Danielle Piatkiewicz, research fellow at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for STVR.

The battery industry offers huge business opportunities in the coming years. The Czech Republic has a chance to become a leader if it adapts its economic strategies, speeds up permitting processes and invests in the entire value chain. Filip Křenek, project coordinator and analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Hospodářské noviny.

After Donald Trump took office as US President, the slogans of Czech politicians proclaiming their affiliation with the West raise the question of what kind of West Czech politicians, including Prime Minister Fiala, are actually claiming to belong to. Specifically, whether they mean Europe or Trump's America. Klára Votavová, researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Deník N.

The Competitiveness Compass, now presented by the European Commission, shows where to go to keep the EU strong, innovative and independent. It sets the direction and mentions the main milestones on the road to greater competitiveness. Filip Křenek, Project Coordinator and Analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Euractiv.cz.

In the European Parliament, traditional right-wing parties are converging with the far right. Strong rhetoric and views. Triggered by the current case of alleged lobbying in favour of the Green Deal. Deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute Viktor Daněk commented for Seznam Zprávy.

The arrival of Donald Trump as President of the United States of America sends a negative message to the global climate, yet Europe should continue its efforts. These were the conclusions reached by experts during a discussion on climate policy organised by Euractiv.cz.